Australia government urged to increase Olympic funding

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) officials have called on the federal government to dramatically increase funding to elite sport prevent the country from sliding down the medals table.

Australia finished in the top four countries in the medals standings at the last two Olympics and are confident of being in the top five at Beijing later this year.

But AOC president John Coates told the government on Saturday Australia were in danger of dropping outside the top 10 at future Olympics unless funding levels were increased to the same levels as countries such as Britain, Germany, France and Italy.

"It's not rocket science. They're going to have to find some more money if they want us to be there (in the top five)," he told reporters on Saturday.

"I don't think the Australian public will take kindly if we suddenly drop off again and fall out of the top 10.

"There is an expectation from the Australian public, the Australian public are very proud of the performances our athletes have been achieving, so I am hoping that is understood."

(Reporting by Julian Linden; Editing by John O'Brien)